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“We really shouldn’t be talking about this.” Blair gives her a look.

“I know, but I wanted Rosie to understand. How much has he told you about Charlie?”

“Honestly, not that much,” I say. “I know he died because your granddad told me last night. I don’t think he realized I didn’t know, so I didn’t tell him that. But I haven’t talked to Brett about it. I want to wait until he chooses to tell me, you know?”

“Oh, that’s so sweet of you.” Clara jumps up suddenly. “Oh, hey there, Brett.”

We all turn, and I see him walking toward us in a loose white cotton shirt and khaki pants. My heart races when I see his handsome face.

“Hey, what are you three talking about?”

“Oh, we were talking about maybe going for a swim, but Rosie said you two are going for a walk?”

“Yeah, we’re going down to the beach to look for shells. Maybe look at the stars or something.”

“Ooh, like a proper date,” Clara says, and Brett rolls his eyes.

“Good evening, darling sisters.”

“Good evening, darling brother. We’ll see you later.”

Clara and Blair giggle and go running back to the house.

“Sorry my sisters were bothering you.”

“It’s okay. I really like them.”

“I’m glad someone does,” he says as he hooks my arm in his.

“Don’t be goofy. I know you love them.”

“I do,” he says. “They’re good girls.”

He takes a deep breath and looks at me for a few seconds, brushing my hair away from my face. “Do you want a drink before we walk?”

“No, I’m okay.”

“Then let us go,” he says.

We walk past the pool and through the landscaped gardens in peaceful silence. It’s nice, being here with him. It’s nice, just being in each other’s company. As we make our way down to the sand, I slip off my sandals, and he takes off his shoes.

“We can leave them here and grab them when we come back,” he says, and I nod.

We walk down toward the water, and he rolls up his pants as we wade in.

“Ooh, it’s colder than I thought it would be!” I jump and run back toward the beach.

“Yeah, sorry.”

“It’s not your fault. You didn’t make the water cold.”

“I know, but I should have warned you or something.”

“You didn’t have to warn me, Brett. You don’t have to protect me from everything.”

“I know. I guess I feel like I owe you for doing this for me, and I want to make sure you’re having a good time. I know my mom can be overwhelming, and I’m really sorry for the way she’s treated you.”

“It’s not your fault, and you prepared me. I knew she wasn’t going to be a walk in the park.”